On a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and Photography Club members immersed themselves in diverse artwork and connected with others in the group.

  “The NAHS and Photo Club field trip to the MFA was a chance for our members to get out of our school building and see some fantastic artworks,” said NAHS advisor Erin Evans. “The trip was a reward for these students who give their time and energy to bringing art awareness to the community. The club bonded through this experience, and when students make new connections within our club, it helps strengthen us as a group to do even better community service projects.”

  Many students found this field trip to be a unique opportunity to experience art outside of the classroom, allowing them to interact with peers in a way they may not have before. It undoubtedly created a feeling of closeness within the club, strengthening their bond as they ventured through the museum together.

  “[Field trips] help us to communicate with the other kids in the group and our community, and it shows us a new perspective on art,” said sophomore Zoe Chen.

  The visit encouraged students to step outside their familiar surroundings, appreciating not only the artwork but also the value of the shared experiences with their classmates. This new closeness brought unity as everyone was able to share their thoughts about the pieces they encountered.

  For junior Madie Dupuis, who hopes to pursue architecture, the MFA expanded her hopes for artistic growth in the future. She found inspiration not only within the walls of the museum but in its design altogether.

  “The architecture of the building was very cool. There were a lot of pathways and windows, it was very well crafted,” said Dupuis. “I’m currently building a little model of my own in Architecture class, and this really opened my eyes to how I will improve my own model to make it better.”

  The field trip offered more than just a chance to admire art– for some, the trip provided valuable life lessons.

  “I learned how to read a museum map,” said sophomore Clara Alberta.

  Junior Landen Boutilier, who came not as an NAHS member, but from Photo Club, was drawn to a thought-provoking piece involving a full Spanish translation of George Orwell’s 1984, submerged in water until the ink detached from the page, and dissolved into a dark swirl of ink. Watching the 14-minute and 15-second video helped Boutilier to see that art can be a powerful medium for storytelling and social commentary.

  “My favorite part was being able to get other people’s perspectives on art because we all come from very different backgrounds and we all have different opinions on what art means to us,” said Boutilier.

  Students also had the chance to explore the museum’s collection of international art, and this exposure sparked a deeper appreciation for cultures and perspectives around the world.

  “I learned that Boston has a lot of diverse art, especially from different countries. I really connected with the Asian wing, especially the long dragon exhibit,” said junior Emma Boldi.

  While the trip did revolve around a focus on art and noticing the different styles of others, the group could not refrain from having a little fun. To stay engaged, the group split into teams where they participated in a scavenger hunt, taking pictures of specific objects around the museum. They held a contest online, where NAHS fans could vote on their favorite submission. This added a playful element to the experience, where members could engage with the art in a lighthearted way while still learning about its significance.

  “After this trip, I hope students will find enjoyment and excitement by visiting art museums.  These top art students need to be exposed to master artworks to keep inspiring them and their work. Art is an integral part of human culture and has been for centuries. From the Egyptian Art Gallery to the Impressionism Gallery, visiting the MFA helps students recognize art’s important role in our lives,” Evans said.

  Being a successful mixture of artistic exploration, shared experience, and cultural exposure in the heart of Boston, the field trip to the MFA granted students a deeper understanding of art, and a connection with both their peers and the city in a way that would leave lasting memories.